Susan Mangigian, Chester County Life

My best friend and office mate Leann, was busy as a beaver yesterday, negotiating multiple offers on her new listing in the West Chester area.  If you listen to the media, this is a thing of the past.  Apparently, not so!  Leann negotiated most of last night and today she closed the deal about $25,000 over asking.  Realtors are trained to negotiate on behalf of the seller.  A good Realtor will put your interest ahead of their own.  A good Realtor will help you get your home ready for showing so that you are putting your best foot forward.  If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, don't count on luck.  Count on the expertise of a Realtor.The signs are there! 

 Call or email today for a free and confidential interview. 

I just picked up Jodi Picoult's book, Songs of the Humpback Whale.  I swear, this women seems to write a book a month!  I think I've read 6 or 7 of her books in the past year!  What are you reading?  If you love to read, check out the new group I've formed... Realtors that Read.  http://activerain.com/groups/realtorsthatread.  I'd love to get your recommendations for good novels, motivational books, etc.  Looking forward to hearing from you!

I went to a Broker's Open House today and it was what in real estate we would call... "a real dog".  Dark red, very dirty area carpeting throughout.  I bent over to see how the hardwood floors looked under the carpet and they are discolored.  Dark green carpets in the bedrooms.  Original kitchen and baths.  Asbestos siding.  You know the house... we'll had one like it listed forever at some point.  When we left I realized that it does more harm than benefit to have a broker's open at a house like this.  Why let agents know in advance that the property needs a lot of work?  List it as a handyman special so that buyers are prepared when viewing it, but advance previewing shouldn't be encouraged.  I think we, as Realtors, all too often make decisions for buyers.  This house needs too much work.  This house is too tired.  This house isn't for you.  If you have a broker's open house, all you are really doing at a home like this is letting other agents take it off their showing list.  What do you say?

When I was a new agent, many years ago, I had just moved to West Chester from the City of Philadelphia.  All I knew about horses, was what I saw in the movies.  I always assumed that horses only lay down when they are sick or dying.  I was driving down the road one day, before cell phones, and passed a farm.  There were 1/2 dozen horses, laying on their sides.  I panicked.  I pulled into the driveway.  I got out of the car, promptly twisting my ankle in the high heels I was wearing as I ran to the front door.  The owner's dog was so glad to see me that he jumped on me and smeared mud all over my suit!  I can only thank God that the owner wasn't home when I frantically rang the bell!  I raced to the nearest phone booth and called my good friend, Jackie Stanke (who sadly has since passed away).  She volunteered at the local SPCA and was a country girl.  I told her my concern for the horses, gasping for breath from all the running around.  She almost died laughing.  She said "Susie, it's okay... horses lay down sometimes"!  My kids always tell that story every time we pass that farm in the car!  Who knew?

I love to exercise.  I don't feel right when I don't.  I don't sleep right when I don't.  I can't eat as much as I want if I don't! 

In my opinion, the best place in the world to get a good workout, in a clean, friendly environment, is ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center in West Goshen.  The group classes can't be beat.  I've written before about Zumba.  This Latin American dance aerobics is so much fun, you leave feeling like you've just been to a great party!  Body Pump and Body Bar are both great strength training classes. 

If you are interested in visiting, ACAC is just off of Greenhill and Boot Roads.  Their website is:  http://westchester.acac.com/index.php

I used to always donate a portion of my commission to The Children's Miracle Network, which I believe is a wonderful charity.  This year, I've decided to donate a portion of my commission to the Susan Komen Foundation through RE/MAX International.  http://www.komendonations.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Sold_for_the_Cure. 

 I'd love to know what charities touch your heart or how you volunteer your time.  I have always found Realtors to be some of the most generous people I know.

I used to always donate a portion of my commission to The Children's Miracle Network, which I believe is a wonderful charity.  This year, I've decided to donate a portion of my commission to the Susan Komen Foundation through RE/MAX International.  http://www.komendonations.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Sold_for_the_Cure. 

 I'd love to know what charities touch your heart or how you volunteer your time.  I have always found Realtors to be some of the most generous people I know.